Robin’s Rambles – Supernatural 8.01: “We Need To Talk About Kevin”
We Need to Talk About Kevin
Season 8 Episode 1
Robin’s Rambles by Robin Vogel
Over the soundtrack of Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath,” we get a montage of last year’s Leviathan storyline. Not one of my favorites, even if the song is.
100-mile wilderness, Maine, one year later – In a tent, in a foggy, tree-filled place, a couple lies asleep. A bright white light light appears, awaking the woman. “Will, wake up,” she says, shaking him, “something just happened.” Something approaches their tent, then runs past it, a shadow. She urges him to check it out, but he’s scared and doesn’t want to. She sits up, breathing hard, scared. “Hello?” he calls, looking outside with a flashlight, hello? It was a deer or something, he assures her, relieved himself, just a deer. Then he spies a disheveled, blood-spattered Dean Winchester and is shocked. “Where am I?” demands Dean, pointing the gun at the poor man, who is joined by his equally scared girlfriend. “Where’s the road?” roars Dean. “Twelve miles that way,” points the man. Still pointing his gun at them, Dean grabs their knapsack and runs off. The couple stares at him, stunned.
Clayton, LA – four days later – Dean has hitched a ride with a truck driver as Styx plays “Man in the Wilderness.” He walks, cradling what might be an injured left arm, and arrives at the LaFitte residence, where, with a small shovel, he begins to dig. “This better be you, you son of a bitch,” he mutters, raising his sleeve to reveal his arm is burning underneath the skin, as if something alive is underneath. He reaches a buried skeleton. “Hold on, you bastard!” he says gruffly, “Hold on!” He slices into his roiling, burning arm with a knife and recites some Latin, letting his blood–and the creature–spill into the hole he just dug. He falls back, relieved. Someone stands behind him. “That was fast,” says Dean. “No thanks to you,” the other man says, “What the hell took you so long?” “You’re welcome,” says Dean sarcastically. The other man cracks his neck. “Everything working?” asks Dean. “Well enough,” the other man says, revealing, then detracting, vampire fangs–“So, what now?” “Like we talked about, I guess,” says Dean. “Then this is goodbye,” says the vamp. “Keep your nose clean, buddy, you hear me?” says Dean. The vamp nods and they shake hands. “We made it, brother,” says the vampire, “I can’t believe it.” They smile and exchange a big hug. “You and me both,” agrees Dean, smiling.
Kermit, TX – A woman lies asleep in bed. Sam packs a bag, then pets a beautiful, whimpering collie lying asleep beside the woman, whose eyes open. Sam gulps as though holding back tears and leaves. Sam leaves in the Impala, watched by someone in a black hat.
Whitefish, MT – Sam enters a cabin and is immediately tackled to the floor and dumped on with holy water by Dean. “I’m not a demon! Or a Leviathan!” protests Sam, but Dean slices into his brother’s arm with silver, not taking any chances. “Or shifter,” says Sam. “Good–my turn, c’mon, let’s go,” says Dean. He holds out the holy water and knife. “I don’t need to, I know it’s you,” Sam assures him. “Damn it, Sammy,” says Dean, dousing himself in the water and borax, holding out the knife. “C’mon.” “No, Dean, can I just say hello!” insists Sam. Dean cuts his own arm, smiles, says, “Let’s do this.” “I don’t know whether to give you a hug or take a shower” grins Sam. Dean laughs and they exchange a nice, long hug.
“Dude, you’re freakin alive–what the hell happened?” asks Sam. “I guess standing too close to exploding Dick sends your ass straight to Purgatory,” quips Dean. “You were in Purgatory?–for the whole year?”asks Sam, stunned. “Time flies when you’re running for your life,” says Dean. “How did you get out?” asks Sam. “I guess whoever built that box didn’t want me in there anymore than I did,” says Dean. “What does that mean?” asks Sam. “I’m here, okay?” says Dean. “What about Cas, was he there?” asks Sam. “Cas didn’t make it,” says Dean, “Something happened to him down there, things got pretty hairy toward the end, and he just let go.” “So Cas is dead, you saw him die,” says Sam. “I saw enough,” says Dean. “So you’re not sure,” says Sam. “I said I saw enough, Sam,” says Dean. “Right,” says Sam, “Dean, I’m sorry.” “Me, too,” agrees Dean, grabbing beers from an ancient fridge. “You know, half your numbers are out of service. I felt like I was leaving messages in the wind.” “I didn’t get tne messages because I ditched the phones. Something happened to me this year, too–I don’t hunt anymore.” “Yeah–and Sasha Gray has gone legit,” quips Dean, smiling in disbelief. Sam tries to explain she was in a Soderbergh film and then gives up. “You were gone, Cas was gone, Bobby was dead,” says Sam, “Crowley shipped off Kevin and Meg to parts unknown.” “So you just turned tail on the family business?” accuses Dean. “Nothing says family quite like the whole family being dead,”says Sam. “I wasn’t dead,” says Dean, “In fact, I was knee-deep in God’s armpit, killing monsters, which is what I thought we actually do.” “Yes, Dean, and as far as I knew, what we do is what got every member of my family killed,” Sam reminds him. “I had no one–no one–and for the first time in my life I was completely alone–and honestly, I didn’t exactly have a road map–so yeah, I fixed up the Impala (yeah, Sammy!) and I just drove.” “After you looked for me,” says Dean. Sam doesn’t reply. “Did you look for me?” asks Dean. No reply. “Good,” says Dean, “That’s good, we always told each other NOT to look for each other, that’s smart, good for you–of course, we always ignored that because of our deep, abiding love for each other, but not this time, right, Sammy?” Sam looks down, ashamed. “I’m still the same guy, Dean.” “Well bully for you,” says Dean angrily, “I’m not,”–and he exits the cabin. Welcome back, says Sam, with a huff.
Later – Sam offers Dean dinner, but Dean passes. “Okay,” says Sam, stirring something on the stove. He eats it alone at the table while Dean goes through a box of old phones. Dean plays back a message on Sam’s phone from Kevin Tran, who escaped from a warehouse where Crowley was holding him prisoner. “When was that?” asks Sam. There’s a second message from Kevin, this one a week later, begging for help. “Okay, I get it, you wanna strategize, or something?” Dean plays back another message from Kevin, a drunken one where he tells Sam, “Eat me.” The last message is six months later and assumes Sam is dead, since he hasn’t heard back from him, and assuring him he won’t call him back. “He was our responsibility,” Dean reminds Sam, throwing the phone at him, “and you couldn’t answer the damn phone.” Sam plays back Kevin’s message and thinks the kid was on a bus heading to Centerville, Michigan, because his high school girlfriend goes to college there. “You were right,” he was our responsibility, so let’s find him, says Sam.
They load up the Impala and Sam throws the keys to his brother. “No visual signs of douchery, I’ll give you that,” says Dean, but he DOES notice the scent of dog. “In the car?” asks Sam innocently.
Dean stares into a vending machine containing snacks. Two kids shooting pretend guns run past him. He gets a Purgatory flashback of meeting a pony-tailed vampire. They ran through the trees and Dean caught him, pinned him to a tree, bringing out the vamp’s fangs. “Where’s the angel?” demands Dean. “You’re the angel, human,” snarls the vampire. Dean beheads him with his own weapon, then takes it with him. He’s attacked by a second vamp and saved by a third, who, apparently, became his friend.
Motel – Dean doesn’t want to stay in the room, he wants to hit the road because Kevin isn’t getting anymore found. “The kid survived a year without us,” points out Sam, “he’ll be all right another 12 hours–besides, when was the last time you slept?” “Is that how you rationalize taking a year off?” asks Dean, “People will be okay?” “People WERE okay,” says Sam, “You’re okay.” “Wow,” says Dean, not believing this. “We did what we promised,” Sam reminds him, “I moved on, I lived my life.” “I’m gettin’ that,” says Dean. “I wasn’t oblivious,” says Sam, “I read the paper every day, I saw the weird stories, the kind of stuff we used to chase.” “And you said what, not my problem?” asks Dean. “Yes,” says Sam, “and you know what?–the world went on.” “People died, Sam,” Dean reminds him. “People ALWAYS died,” says Sam, “or maybe another hunter took care of it, I don’t know, but for the first time I realized it wasn’t only up to me to stop it.” “What could possibly make you stop just like that?” asks Dean, “A girl?–was there a girl?” “The girl had nothing to do with it,” insists Sam. “There was a girl,” realizes Dean. “Yeah, there was–and then there wasn’t,” says Sam, “Anymore questions?”
Later – “I know this is going to sound crazy to you, I don’t even necessarily need you to understand,” says Sam, “but I need you to know, I didn’t just drop out, Dean, I found something, something I’ve never had, all my life.” “What was her name?” asks Dean. “Amelia,” supplies Sam. “So, what, you dropped your peanut butter in her chocolate?” asks Dean. “I hit her dog,” says Sam. “I knew I smelled dog,” accuses Dean, “The rules are simple–you don’t take a joint from a guy named Don and there’s no dogs in the car!” “What about you?” asks Sam, “you still got that look–you’re shaky, on edge–what was it like?” “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” says Dean. “Try me,” offers Sam. “Bloody, messy, 31 flavors of bottom-dwelling nasties,” says Dean, “Most days felt like 360 degree combat–but there was something about being there. . .it felt pure.”
Flashback – “What, no thanks for saving your hide?” asks the vampire. “Sure,” says Dean, indicating the weapon, “I won’t shove this up your ass.” “Awful strange way to punch a meal ticket, friend,” opines the vamp–“I got somethin’ you need.” “What’s that?” asks Dean. “A way out.” “No such thing,” says Dean. “There is if you’re human,” says the vamp, “God has made it so, at least that’s the rumor.” “Bull,” says Dean. “Maybe you like bein’ man meat for every Tom, Dick and Harry,” suggests the vamp. “Prove it,” challenges Dean. “Nah, you’re either in or out,” says the vampire. “So you’re gonna just guide me outta Purgatory out of the good of your undead heart,” says Dean. “More or less–I’m hoppin’ a ride,” says the vamp, “It’s a human mortal jackass, only humans can pass through–I show you the door, you help my soul to the other side.” “So you’re lookin for a soul train,” says Dean. “Sure, if that’s what you’re into,” says the vamp. “How do I know I’m not gonna end up like you’re friend here,” says Dean, gesturing to the dead vamps. “He was my friend, now you are,” says the vampire. “First rule of Purgatory, kid, you can’t trust nobody.” “You just asked me to trust you,” Dean reminds him. “See–you’re gettin’ it now,” the vamp says. “Plus we find the angel,” says Dean. “Three’s a crowd, chief,” says the vamp. “Hey,” says Dean, “either you’re in or you’re out.” The vamp grins.
Campus – “The last time I saw Kevin was a year ago,” reveals his girlfriend, “He stole his mother’s car because he thought he was on a mission from God or something–he was crazy.” “We know Kevin was here,” says Sam, “and we understand that you’re trying to protect him, but nobody can protect him better than we can.” “He wasn’t,” insists the girlfriend, “I hate Kevin, I wouldn’t protect him.” “I thought you two had a thing,” says Dean. “Yeah, when he was going to Princeton,” she says. “Wow, just like that,” says Dean. “Yeah,” she says, and her roomie agrees. Leaving the dorm, the brothers wonder why Kevin would come there if not to see his girlfriend.
Back where the Winchesters had just come from, a demon inhabits Kevin’s girlfriend’s roommate. She slits the roomie’s throat and lets the blood spill into a chalice, then recites, over the roiling blood, first in Latin, then in English, “The Prophet has not yet shown his face to me–but you should know, Dean Winchester is back.”
Spotting a gal walking a dog, Sam has his own flashback:
He runs into an animal hospital, a dog in a bloodied towel clutched in his arms. “He came out of no where, ran in front of my car,” babbles Sam. “The doctor’s coming, sir,” the tech says, but Sam is frantic. “YOU SAVE ANIMALS, SAVE THIS ANIMAL!” The doctor enters and orders the tech to escort Sam out. “I did this,” confesses Sam. He comes out of the memory. Dean sits before him. “Don’t judge me, I got bupkus,” he says. Sam has ordered him a burger and Dean is delighted. Sam is going through security footage and has found Kevin. “Dude, it’s a burger,” says Sam. “It’s a treasure, corrects Dean, mmmming over his food.” “Kevin comes all the way to campus and doesn’t see his girlfriend?” asks Dean. Doing all kinds of fancy computer footwork and hacking, Sam found out where Kevin has been, computer-wise, for the past two months. Dean praises this as spectacular work and requests it in English. It’s in a Fairfield, Iowa, coffee shop, reveals Sam.
His hideout turns out to be, surprisingly, a church. Sam knocks, telling Kevin it’s the Winchesters; Dean goes for the lock pick. Kevin awaits them with a super soaker gun loaded with Borax. “Not Leviathans,” says Dean. “What the hell happened to you guys? demands Kevin.” “Cliff notes,” says Dean, “I went to Purgatory, Sam hit a dog.” “For real?” asks Kevin. “Want some towels?” Dried off, Dean asks who taught Kevin all this. “God,” answers Kevin. “God taught you how to trap demons?” asks Dean. Technically, yeah, the kid replies. Sam asks how he escaped Crowley.
Flashback: “First he took me to a warehouse,” says Kevin. A henchman brings Kevin before Crowley. “Look at you,” says the demon, “Manicure, pedicure, like a new penny.” “Will there be torture now?” asks Kevin. “No torture for Crowley’s young prince, the sky’s the limit–feel like a winner, be a winner.” He places Kevin before another tablet and tells him to interpret it. “So,” says Dean, “another word of God–how many are there?” “I just became a prophet a year ago,” Kevin reminds him. “Did the tablet have a name?” asks Sam. “Demons,” says Kevin, “everything about them.” “What are we looking at?” asks Crowley. Kevin complains about the heat, and Crowley orders the henchman to turn it up. Kevin sees hellgates in the tablet. “There’s one in Wisconsin,” reveals Kevin, “the tablet told me how to open it–there are ingredients for a spell.” Kevin mixes up the ingredients as they are supplied by Crowley’s minions. “You told a demon how to open a hellgate?” demands Dean, “so all the demons in hell could come out, all at the same time?” “No,” says Kevin. He actually got rid of the demons holding him prisoner and escaped while Crowley, waiting at the hellgate entrance, surrounded by goats, called to him over the phone. Kevin was really reading how to destroy demons. “You son of a bitch,” praises Dean. “Where’s the tablet now?” asks Sam. “Safe,” Kevin assures them. “Safe where?” asks Sam. “As long as it’s safe,” Dean says. Kevin also read about how to close the hell gates forever, banish all demons off the face of the earth, lock them away forever. “That could be important, right?” “Yeah, that could be important,” agrees Dean.
“If this kid is right, he IS the bombshell,” Dean tells Sam. “There’s no way Kevin is getting out of this intact, is there?” worries Sam. “He’s done pretty well for himself so far, “says Dean. “He got out,” says Sam. “Now he’s in it, whether he likes it or not,” says Dean. “So, free will, that’s only for you,” says Sam. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing!” says Dean, “Sam, we have an opportunity to wipe the slate clean–we take Kevin to the tablet, he tells us the spell, we send every demon back to hell, forever–every single bastard that destroyed our lives–killed our mother, killed Jess–and you’re not sure?”
Sam sits behind Kevin in a pew. “I owe you an apology,” he tells the kid, “When you and Dean disappeared, I needed to clear my head, and I’m thinkin’ you were one of the pieces I should have been there to pick up.” “You’ve been a hunter since you were a kid, right?” asks Kevin. “Mostly, yeah,” says Sam. “Ever since I realized I was a prophet, it’s been hard to realize this is my life,” says Kevin. “Yeah, it sucks right now, I know that,” agrees Sam, “It might suck for a lot longer, but, trust me on this, it gets better.” “You know I’m not gay, right?” asks Kevin. They chuckle. “If we can do this,” says Sam, “get you the tablet, get you everything you need to close the gates of hell, there’s a world out there where no Crowley–no demon–is chasing you anymore.” “I guess I just don’t see how I get from here to there,” says Kevin. “I used to not be able to see it either,” says Sam, “but there is a way.” Kevin sighs. “Just give me five minutes,” he says. He walks away. Sam sits there. Dean looks in.
Flashback – The vet comes out to report to Sam, who is sitting nervously, waiting. “He sustained some serious internal bleeding, there’s at least two leg fractures I can see right now, but with some TLC he should pull through for you.” Sam sighs with relief. “You gonna take the dog?” she asks. “I would, he’s not mine,” says Sam. “He’s not anybody’s,” she says. “I spend a lot of time on the road,” says Sam. “Don’t you think you’re responsible?” she asks. “Why do you think I brought him here?” asks Sam. “Roberta, could you hand this man his trophy on his way out, please?” the vet says, “or maybe, if you’re such an upstanding guy, you wouldn’t have hit him in the first place.” Sam gulps. “Fine,” he says, “I’ll take him.” “There’s my hero,” she says, and returns to the back room for the dog.
The church trembles; pieces fall from the ceiling. “We got company,” says Dean. Kevin looks at the brothers, nervous. Dean hands Sam the DKK (demon killing knife) and takes out the weapon he wrestled from the vampire in Purgatory. “What the hell is that?” asks Sam. “Purgatory,” answers Dean. The doors open. Two demons stand there. “Dean Winchester, back from Purgatory,” says one. “Spanky the demon,” says Dean, holding out his weapon, “I heard about you, you’re the one who uses too much teeth.”
The battle ensues, the brothers using fists, Kevin, a squirt bottle of holy water. When it’s over, the brothers are victorious, the DKK swiftly dispatching the demons. Crowley enters, a Kevin’s demonized girlfriend at his side. “Purgatory didn’t do you any favors,” Crowley remarks, “where’s your angel?” “Ask your mother,” retorts Dean. “There’s that grade-school zip,” snarks Crowley, “Missed it, I really did.” To Sam, Crowley says, “Moose! Still with the pork chops, I admire that.” “Let Channing go,” orders Kevin. “It’s not Channing,” says Dean, not anymore. “What an awful thing to say to the boy,” chastises Crowley, “of course it’s Channing. Last time we danced, Kev, you stole my tablet and killed my men–tell you what–come with me now, bygones, and I’ll let the girl go back to What’s-the-point-U.” “He’s lying,” accuses Dean, “you won’t get Channing back, she’s probably dead already.” “Please stop saying that,” sighs Crowley, “Let the girl speak.” He snaps his fingers. “Kevin?” says Channing happily. “What’s going on?” she asks. “There’s a demon in you, and you’re going to your safety school,” Kevin says. “What?!” she cries. “But it’s gonna be okay,” Kevin assures her. Impatient, Crowley snaps his fingers again, sending Channing back inside her body. “I just. . .I can’t,” Crowley says. “I’ll do it,” Kevin agrees. “Kevin,” says Sam warningly. “Myself for the girl,” says Kevin, “but this ends, no fighting no nothing–this ends.” “Can’t let you do that, buddy,” insists Dean. “Or what?” asks Kevin, “you’ll kill me?” Dean looks resigned, Crowley smiles snarkily. “I’ll get my stuff,” says Kevin, and leaves. “Chin up, gentlemen,” says Crowley to the Winchesters, “I’m a professional. This isn’t over by a long shot,” promises Dean. Crowley says something here about a marshmallow that I couldn’t make out, then, “Come on, Kevin, chop, chop.” When the boy doesn’t appear, Crowley calls him again. No response. Dean pulls out the DKK, which Crowley makes too hot for him to hold; Dean drops it. “Really, boys?” says Crowley, and walks past them, Channing in tow, calling to Kevin. Dean picks up his knife. The two demons re-enter the room. Kevin, says Crowley as if ashamed of the lad, only to be doused with holy water that Kevin had rigged to spill on him and Channing. “Sam, Dean, RUN!” Kevin shouts to the Winchesters, and while the demons recuperate from their holy water bath, all three humans high-tail it to the Impala and motor away. “Find another meat suit,” Crowley orders the demon inside Channing. The demon plumes out of the host body and away.
As the Impala passes the porch, Kevin watches as Crowley viciously snaps Channing’s neck. He sees her body fall, all in horrific slow motion. Crowley cleans the holy water from his face with a handkerchief, his face impassive.
They pull up to a gas station. Dean’s phone rings. He answers. “Wrong number,” he says, hanging up. “Anybody want anything?” “I’m good,” says Sam. “Kevin, how you holding up?” Kevin shakes his head and looks morose. “The King of Hell just snapped my girlfriend’s neck, how about you?” he asks sarcastically. “All right, listen to me,” says Dean, “I’m sorry about your girlfriend, okay, I am, but the sooner you get this, the better–you’re in it now, whether you like it or not, that means you do what you gotta do–I’m hittin’ the head.” Dean leaves the car and walks around the corner. He calls his vampire friend. “How did you get a phone?” demands Dean. “Would you believe they sell these things at convenience stores now?” asks the vamp. “A lot’s changed in a year. Must be a hell of a lot to take in,” remarks Dean. “Mostly it’s the choices,” says the vamp, glancing over at a funeral service–“so many choices.” “I hear that,” agrees Dean. “Listen, Benny,” says Dean, “not to beat a dead horse, but what we did down there is what we had to do, I don’t regret a second, but, maybe until we both adjust, it’s best we don’t talk for a while–one day at a time, just like we talked about.” “I think you had it right,” says Benny, “Purgatory WAS pure, I’m kinda wishin’ I had appreciated it more, ya know, like you?” “Listen,” says Dean, “you got an emergency, you call me, you understand?” says Dean. “I hear ya,” says Benny, “you keep your nose clean, too, brother.” “Yeah,” says Dean, and hangs up.
Wonderful to see Crowley back. I’m figuring he’s going to be our Big Bad this year, and I have no problem with that at all. I think he’s a terrific villain, snarky and fun, and a formidable opponent for the brothers.
The latest tablet appears to be the Deux ex Machina needed to get rid of all the demons once and for all, so if they want to end the show with season 8, that can tie things up in a neat bow. Should be interesting to see how it pans out.
I’m guessing the pretty vet is the Amelia Sam got involved with, even though we never actually saw what happened there. She certainly is Sam’s type, and I can easily imagine them falling for each other. I enjoyed the flashbacks, both for Dean and Sam, and yes, even Kevin.
I don’t want to get too much into the argument between the brothers about Sam’s choices, because, you guessed it, that’s going to be one of my major questions.
I liked this episode very much. I have been disappointed in the first episode in seasons 6 and 7, but not season 8. This was a very good beginning.
I find Benny to be a fascinating character. Scary, deep, trustworthy, untrustworthy, what’s his story and was Dean wise to allow him to come topside or not?
Questions:
1. What was your opinion of the first episode of season 8? Yay or nay?
2. Dean was furious with Sam for getting out of hunting and for not searching for him, even though this is something the brothers agreed to do! How do you feel about what Sam did?
3. Sam struck a dog. Did you, for one moment, think he would just leave that responsibility behind?
4. What do you think about the relationship between Benny and Dean. They seem closer than Dean and Sam right now. Wartime buddies? Was Dean smart to allow him to come topside?
5. The brotherly hug was a good one, but seemed blunted by their argument. Were you happy to see it or was it totally ruined by what followed for you?
6. After watching this one episode, how do you think the season looks to be shaping up so far?
7. It appears Kevin is going to play a big role in season 8. How do you feel about his character?
[b]1. What was your opinion of the first episode of season 8? Yay or nay?[/b]
Can I just say Yaaaayyyyy!!! … eehh wait a minute, WHAT!! Noooo!
[b]
2. Dean was furious with Sam for getting out of hunting and for not searching for him, even though this is something the brothers agreed to do! How do you feel about what Sam did?[/b]
I feel you Dean! Sammy, what happens to you? What are you hiding? You look awkward and detached.
[b]3. Sam struck a dog. Did you, for one moment, think he would just leave that responsibility behind?[/b]
After he was sure that the dog is taken care of i think he would. Just like the brothers would leave the victim of possessed human in a hospital. Remember Jeffrey from Repo Man? Taking a stray dog or a stranded human with them to travel in the car is not a wise decision. Maybe that’s why he stayed with Amelia because if he had to take care of the dog he had to settle, right? And Amelia did guilt trip him. So, conclusion. Amelia could be has a hand in making or at least instill a thought of settling down in Sam’s head. I just hate to find out that Amelia is also the one responsible for Sam not looking for Dean, who maybe told Sam to just….” let go of your brother, Sam. Where would you look for him anyway? It’s not good for your mental health.” I hope I am wrong.
[b]4. What do you think about the relationship between Benny and Dean. They seem closer than Dean and Sam right now. Wartime buddies? Was Dean smart to allow him to come topside?[/b]
They had an agreement. They work together for a cause but the keep your nose clean is a sign that no love lost between them. Dean knows he would kill Benny if he’s out of line. He just hate that he has to do that.
[b]5. The brotherly hug was a good one, but seemed blunted by their argument. Were you happy to see it or was it totally ruined by what followed for you?[/b]
The brotherly hug is not as warm as I expect it to be. Dean looked relieved and thankful but Sam’s emotion looked not genuine. Kinda like their first hug in season 6 when Sam had no soul.
[b]6. After watching this one episode, how do you think the season looks to be shaping up so far?[/b]
I felt very good after HCW but then it dwindled so badly. So, I am tentative this time around.
[b]7. It appears Kevin is going to play a big role in season 8. How do you feel about his character?[/b]
He is okay. I really like to introduce him to Charlie 😀
Could Dean have sold Cas down the river in an effort to escape from Purgatory? He seems shifty when asked about Cas.
Yep, definitely shifty.
But, I am sure Cas is not dead. If he’s dead Dean would have said so. Dean said Cas let go. It can mean anything. It also can mean that Cas couldn’t handle purgatory, so he just let go of his grace.
I wonder if angel’s grace can evaporate.
Oh, and every time I re-watch I found other little things.
When Crowley move to fetch Kevin from the back room. Dean threatens him with the Knife. I notice Sam and Dean move closer to each other. Sam steps back behind Dean, Dean step in front of Sam.
Very Sweet!!! 😀
1. What was your opinion of the first episode of season 8? Yay or nay?
Yay
2. Dean was furious with Sam for getting out of hunting and for not searching for him, even though this is something the brothers agreed to do! How do you feel about what Sam did?
I don’t know about the agreement..but as of now i did not mind Dean getting angry with Sam or Sam not looking for Dean.
3. Sam struck a dog. Did you, for one moment, think he would just leave that responsibility behind?
No.
4. What do you think about the relationship between Benny and Dean. They seem closer than Dean and Sam right now. Wartime buddies? Was Dean smart to allow him to come topside?
No thoughts as it is too early to tell
5. The brotherly hug was a good one, but seemed blunted by their argument. Were you happy to see it or was it totally ruined by what followed for you?
Ihave never cared about the hugs.If they hug or not hug..it has not been in one of my to see list
6. After watching this one episode, how do you think the season looks to be shaping up so far?
good
7. It appears Kevin is going to play a big role in season 8. How do you feel about his character?
good
Iliked the first photo even while watching it on the show [quote]“It might suck for a lot longer, but, trust me on this, it gets better.†“You know I’m not gay, right?†asks Kevin.[/quote] I didn’t understand the dialogue here ..if someone could clarify and even the next one[quote]“The rules are simple–you don’t take a joint from a guy named Don …..[/quote]
[quote]“It might suck for a lot longer, but, trust me on this, it gets better.†“You know I’m not gay, right?†asks Kevin.[/quote]
Last year there was a big Internet site called It Gets Better that was in response to several gay teens committing suicide. I consisted of gay adults recounting how their lives got better and straight and gay people encouraging teens to realize that there is life after high school and college and that it can get better.
No idea about the Don comment.
Thanks
I read in a review when Carver was asked about Don, he just joked something like it’s one of those truism that everyone knows.
[i][b]1. What was your opinion of the first episode of season 8? Yay or nay? [/b][/i]
Yay. I thought the episode was subtle in outlining the ‘mysteries’ and mytharc for the season. It was an intelligent script that contained a lot of intrique…and this was a major complaint of mine from the last two seasons…it was well paced. No sag in the middle.
[i][b]2. Dean was furious with Sam for getting out of hunting and for not searching for him, even though this is something the brothers agreed to do! How do you feel about what Sam did?[/b][/i]
Someone will have to tell me when the brothers’ agreed not to look for each other if one disappeared, ’cause I don’t recall that ever happening. They have agreed not to try to get each other back from Hell and the cage; yes, but never to just give up. That said, I’m not worried about what Sam did. That story will unfold as the season goes on. If not, then we can assume Sam was very depressed and floundering. Sam has always had a very dark nature, so I can see him being in a deep, deep depression.
[i][b]3. Sam struck a dog. Did you, for one moment, think he would just leave that responsibility behind?[/b][/i]
Of course not, but it was a surprise that Sam showed more concern for a stray dog than he did his brother. There’s some of that subtle intrique showing itself.
[i][b]4. What do you think about the relationship between Benny and Dean. They seem closer than Dean and Sam right now. Wartime buddies? Was Dean smart to allow him to come topside?[/b][/i]
Oh, my, I do like Benny, and I do like Dean and Benny. Dean has always been one to do what it takes to get the job done, so yeah, it was smart…and risky. The best intrique of the premiere. I’m waiting for that perverbial other shoe on this one. Excellent performances by both JA and Ty O. in all their scenes. In fact, JA gave a brilliant performance throughout the entire episode.
[i][b]5. The brotherly hug was a good one, but seemed blunted by their argument. Were you happy to see it or was it totally ruined by what followed for you?[/b][/i]
I think the hug was used very effectively to set up the tension between the brothers and to show that they are both coming from different places at the start of the season. It worked well, because the fans expected it, yet it had this sub-text.
[i][b]6. After watching this one episode, how do you think the season looks to be shaping up so far?[/b][/i]
I’m on-board. My two requirements for the season were that Dean be a badass hunter again with an actual story. The premiere gave me feral Dean (yum, yum), and introduced a great story for him. But I’ve been burned before, so there’s this little bit of lingering reservation that it just ends mid-season and the focus goes back to support characters. Don’t you do that, Jeremy!
[i][b]
7. It appears Kevin is going to play a big role in season 8. How do you feel about his character?[/b][/i]
I’m afraid Kevin is going to play a bigger role than I would like for him to. I’m totally indifferent to the character, but I hope he’s not a permanent fixture in the backseat of the Impala this season. I’m not bashing the actor in saying this, but I find Orsic’s acting good enough. It strikes me as methodical and learned, lacking the charisma that grabs me when I see a good performance. That’s what I see when he’s on-screen. I’d be okay if God called him to Heaven sometime before the season ends.
I didn’t understand, “The rules are simple. You don’t take a joint from a guy named Don…” Was this a cultural reference, or are we to assume that sometime in Dean’s younger days, he got busted for smoking a joint?
I found the answer to the ‘Who is Don?’ question. It’s a Dean ‘lifeism.’
[b]Why wouldn’t you take a joint from a guy named Don??[/b]
No dogs in the Impala, and never take a joint from a guy named Don – those are the rules, as we learn from Dean in this episode. Singer told reporters eager to hear more about the Winchesterian advice, “Just so you know that you’re not alone, when we were on the set shooting [that scene], I had at least 50 percent of the crew come up to me and go, ‘Who’s Don?’†Carver, who wrote the episode, wasn’t forthcoming with any story behind the line. He simply said, “That’s just one of those lifeisms that I think we can all agree to.â€
From a insidetv.ew interview with Carver and Singer here:
http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/10/03/supernatural-season-8-premiere-jeremy-carver-robert-singer/
Thanks
Oops Ginger already answered you and more accurately.
1) Liked it very much. It got me hooked. Many mysteries to unravel.
2) I agree with the people who are saying that they never made that exact promise. The promises were about deals, putting themselves at risk, putting the world at risk not about LOOKING. However I don’t mind that Sam did what he did. I can completely understand his rationale. I can also understand Dean getting hurt by this. I do anticipate more to come out that may explain things better.
3) Doesn’t make sense for him to jump to the idea”OK, I’ll just take him with”. I think his primary incentive was getting the dog help.
4)Like the potential backstory of Dean and Benny in Perg.
I can’t help but like that Dean seems to have genuine affection for this comrade in arms. This just cannot end well.
5)Brotherly hugs always good! But the unsaid things hung heavy in this scene. Sam just did not seem astounded enough to see Dean alive. Is it that he’s seen that happen so many times it just wasn’t earthshaking?? I suspect that isn’t the case. The FIRST thing out of his mouth should have been OMG you’re alive but it wasn’t. Granted he was being tackled and all, but he said can I just say “hi”. Huh?
6) I am eager for this season and it’s mysteries to unfold.
7) I like Kevin well enough. I always like it when the bro’s have someone who is somewhat of an innocent to protect and guide. The other side of that is I generally fear for anyone who throws in with them, damn you S6 & S7.
I didn’t get the “you know I’m not gay” thing either. Did I miss the joke?
Thanks for the detailed recap, Robin. Yeash, those must be time consuming.
This is not a serious discussion Leah D. Pls forgive me but I find it funny.
The ‘you know I’m not gay’ dialog. It was as if Kevin thought that Sam has a ‘come on’ talk on him. That Sam hitting on him.
This could be payback for Jared because how he responded in a question about how come Sam never tried different costume. The fan asked that Dean had traveled in many universe and in many timeline and had don different, hot sexy outfit like that cowboy’s duster, that suit in 1944.
It was in a con this year that I rephrase
Jared said : “Because Sam’s the straight brother” or something like that.
And Jensen’s incredulous face was hilarious. 😀 Like, as if he said What!! So, you think Dean is not straight?
And Jared giggled. Yes, I say giggled… 😀
I still think it was a call back to the It Get’s Better campaign where people are trying to avert the suicide of gay teenagers by convincing them that life does get better, that you grow up and find non-homophobic places and people. Most of the videos posted on the It’s Gets Better site end up with “It really does get better,”. I can’t imagine that Kevin thought Sam was hitting on him.
Jeez, Percysowner, sorry it seems that it takes me so long to write and get the dang code in that you have already responded.
Well, thank you for clearing that up percysowner. Since, I haven’t seen those video or campaign before.
But, like I said above, that was not a serious discussion. It’s just something that came at me at the time I watched the episode. Somehow I remember the that con. And I couldn’t stop laughing if I remember their faces. 😀
Hi kaj, I saw that little interchange between the J’s on You Tube. Very funny!
However, Percysowner explained the “It Gets Better” reference in a comment that is a few up from ours. I was familar with the movement and website but did not put it together when I saw the episode.
Hi kaj, I think when Jared was referring to Sam as the ‘straight’ brother at the con it was in terms of humor and not sexual preference. Sam plays the straight man to Deans comedy. Yea?
Hi ryder21,
Yea, it could be. 😀 But the look on their face is very funny. 😀
I love watching YouTube videos’s of these two. Just like you, I always crack up with laughter at their comments and facial expressions. What dags they are!
Jared and Jensen both realize that everything they say can be taken out of context and so they watch what they say (which is often as interesting as the answers they do give). Except that occasionally Jared (in particular) says something that he realizes is going to be picked up the wrong way – or Jensen spots it first. That was what happened there – Jared said ‘Sam’s the straight man on the show…’ (which is true, comedically, since Dean gets all the one liners) and Jensen immediately had to go after it because what else can you do?
Speaking as someone who blushes easily it is amazing how much innuendo you have to be aware of in order to be able to avoid it 😀
It wasn’t a gay reference at all. Sorry shippers.
But it was a very funny moment.
Hi, elif
I know that. And I think ryder21 knows it too. I don’t think Jared mean it as a gay reference at all. Because it was clear that they were joking. Their face after he said it he made this look like he just realizes it. And that’s why it was so funny.
And like you said people may interpreted it differently that’s why the moment when Jared realized it, and when Jensen realized it too. Their expressions were hilarious.
Just like what I said above under Leah D comment. It was not meant as a serious discussion. It just came at me and I couldn’t stop laughing when I remember it. 😀
But Percysowner just explained above that the line was referring to a video campaign to avert suicide of teenage gay, that I am not familiar with.
I also remember ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ episode with the fake Sam and Dean. And also Becky. So, I think the show is not opposed to kid around or just mocking or make fun of that. They joke about it. It was all done in a good fun, I think. Not meant to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Sometimes, I have to remind myself not to take supernatural too seriously because there were these funny episodes like Ghostbusters, Ghostfacers, Changing channels, and more.
Yes, sorry, I just wanted to add my two-penneth 😀 I watch a lot of these things on Youtube and I feel they would talk a good deal more about what they do as actors if they didn’t have to watch everything they say – it’s a missed opportunity really, but it also leads to some epic moments (like the one from last weekend at the end of their panel – I don’t think I have ever seen two grown men as utterly embarrassed / in giggles as they were)
The anti-gay bullying thing is a wonderful set of videos being done by all sorts of people and it is great to see. I consider it to be a general anti-bullying message as well.
I guess I could be opening a can of worms if I said that I thought that Supernatural does a good job of dealing with gay characters, but for me it does, particularly as they don’t ignore their existence altogether. I know that there are some instances in the show where that might not be considered true so please don’t be mad at me. I do think they try!
Hi elif,
I really need to see this anti gay bullying videos. They sound awesome. 🙂 I personally HATE bullying for any reason with a passion.
[quote]I guess I could be opening a can of worms if I said that I thought that Supernatural does a good job of dealing with gay characters, but for me it does, particularly as they don’t ignore their existence altogether. [/quote]
Don’t worry, I think Supernatural DOES a good job at recognizing their fan base from many layers and many types of viewers. The show is written and produced for the fans. Like Jared and Jensen always say : without fans, there won’t be supernatural.
I think whatever arguments that we have about the episodes, at the end of the day we are all supernatural family. BECAUSE the show, the actors, the production staffs all consider us as family.
I hadn’t read Percyowners response before I posted. Thanks Percysowner, that makes sense now!
[b][i]1. What was your opinion of the first episode of season 8? Yay or nay? [/i][/b]
Mixed. I like the Dean story. I like Kevin. Benny is intriguing. I HATE the idea that Sam didn’t spend one second looking for Dean. I also thought the Amelia character was not likable at all, and think with a show that has had a perpetual problem introducing female characters that will be love interests they made a mistake making her what I considered unlikeable.
[b][i]2. Dean was furious with Sam for getting out of hunting and for not searching for him, even though this is something the brothers agreed to do! How do you feel about what Sam did?[/i][/b]
If I had ever heard of this so called agreement to not look, I MIGHT have felt better. But since this came up out of the blue AND if it ever existed both of them have broken it time and time again, including Sam breaking it LAST SEASON in Time After Time. I’m am sick to death of Sam being the bad brother who doesn’t care enough to put any effort into Dean at all. For one, I think that he was never really like that and if he had been he has grown out of that over the last 7 seasons. I mean, he didn’t even call hospitals to see if Dean had been blown over to the next county and was injured on earth? Totally character assassination. They may give us more detail on Sam’s year that will change this, but for now they have made Sam wrong, yet again, with no good reason.
[b][i]3. Sam struck a dog. Did you, for one moment, think he would just leave that responsibility behind?
[/i][/b]
Leave the dog lying hurt on the road, of course not. Pay for the vet bill to make the dog better? Absolutely. Take the dog and drop Dean, no way!
[b][i]4. What do you think about the relationship between Benny and Dean. They seem closer than Dean and Sam right now. Wartime buddies? Was Dean smart to allow him to come topside?[/i][/b]
Smart, probably not. I think they were wartime buddies and have shared something that no one else will ever understand. Unlike others I’m not sure that if Benny doesn’t keep his nose clean, then Dean will take him out. Dean doesn’t do well taking out people he cares for and I think Benny will be no exception.
[b][i]5. The brotherly hug was a good one, but seemed blunted by their argument. Were you happy to see it or was it totally ruined by what followed for you?[/i][/b]
The whole hug scene was off for me. Sam not even trying to test Dean with all the things he could be that weren’t Dean. Sam’s side of the hug seemed less intense and relieved than I expected even before the argument. Dean’s hug with Benny was warmer and more affectionate on both sides. I’ve given my thought on Sam not looking for Dean, but I also had trouble with him making NO effort to find Kevin. Kevin is the one job no other hunter could handle or even know about.
[b][i]6. After watching this one episode, how do you think the season looks to be shaping up so far?
[/i][/b]
Despite my criticisms there is a lot of potential in this season. The Purgatory story really interests me. Benny really interests me. Kevin and the search to get rid of the demons interests me. I don’t see closing the gates of Hell as stopping the show, there are plenty of other monsters in the world, demons are just one subset. Even the Sam story COULD become interesting if there is more to it than Sam walked out of the room, grabbed the car, hit a dog, found a girl and settled down. JC is a new show runner so it is possible, but history suggests that Benny will be the one and only good monster in the world and Sam will not love Dean as much as Dean loves him making him the bad guy yet again.
[b][i]7. It appears Kevin is going to play a big role in season 8. How do you feel about his character?[/i][/b]
I like Kevin. I like a new human character who still has supernatural ties. I like the actor. I like that he was able to survive for the year on his own. I think he could add a lot to the show.
For all the latest Supernatural info and article links, follow The Winchester Family Business on Twitter at @WinFamBusiness
So I looked up the joint thing and in an interview with JC and Bob Singer was this
[quote][b]Why wouldn’t you take a joint from a guy named Don??[/b]
No dogs in the Impala, and never take a joint from a guy named Don – those are the rules, as we learn from Dean in this episode. Singer told reporters eager to hear more about the Winchesterian advice, “Just so you know that you’re not alone, when we were on the set shooting [that scene], I had at least 50 percent of the crew come up to me and go, ‘Who’s Don?’†Carver, who wrote the episode, wasn’t forthcoming with any story behind the line. He simply said, “That’s just one of those lifeisms that I think we can all agree to.â€[/quote]
So no cultural reference, just something they threw in, probably for people like me who often miss cultural references and then Google them to figure them out. I had to Google Sasha Whatsherface too.
Thank you
LOL. So funny. I googled the Sasha person during a commercial break too. Glad to see nobody else understood the Don reference either – weird. I loved the episode and cannot wait for the next one.
Thanks Robin for helping me out on some of the dialogue. Got hearing aids, but still can’t make out all of it.
1. What was your opinion of the first episode of season 8? Yay or nay?
Definitely, yay!!
2. Dean was furious with Sam for getting out of hunting and for not searching for him, even though this is something the brothers agreed to do! How do you feel about what Sam did?
We really don’t know yet what Sam did or didn’t do or why it seems he didn’t look, although he never did say explicitly that he didn’t. Expect a lot more to discover as the season progresses.
3. Sam struck a dog. Did you, for one moment, think he would just leave that responsibility behind?
No
4. What do you think about the relationship between Benny and Dean. They seem closer than Dean and Sam right now. Wartime buddies? Was Dean smart to allow him to come topside?
I’m thinking Dean had no choice in the matter. Either use Benny’s help or remain in Purgatory forever. Don’t think smart had anything to do with it.
5. The brotherly hug was a good one, but seemed blunted by their argument. Were you happy to see it or was it totally ruined by what followed for you?
Loved the hug, even though. Am loving this kickass Dean and this non-blood drinking, angsty, Lucifernating Sammy. I’ve missed the Sammy I love the last 4 years. Depressed and alcoholic Dean was a sad sad thing to watch. I’m happy Purgatory has renewed his fighting spirit and “saving people, hunting things” mindset. Welcome back Deano!!
6. After watching this one episode, how do you think the season looks to be shaping up so far?
Looks awesome. Thanks Jeremy!
7. It appears Kevin is going to play a big role in season 8. How do you feel about his character?
Like Kevin, and love he is so friggin’ smart, and Crowley with the goats was a hoot. Just hope he survives. Please don’t kill off Kevin, guys!
(bring back Bobby, Gabriel and the amulet, before the next finale and I’ll be happy as a pig in shoes!)
1st, Not to be picky, but you got a lot of the dialog wrong. A lot to type,so I know it might just be typo’s.
2nd-LOVED the episode. Best season opener in years (of ANY show). Closing the gates of Hell could be the story they said could go on for several years. It is a biggie.
As far as Sam goes, I can’t believe people are so upset about it. The writers are trying to give us a new story line, that hasn’t been done to death. And a pretty believable one. If you thought someone was dead, why would you look for them?? Also, it has a lot of potential for some good stories.
As a tv show meant to entertain, they hit it out of the park!!
This may be their best season yet.
Sorry Penny Jaime, but I’ll have to disagree with part of your post. “If you thought someone was dead, why would yo look for them??” Where did Sam ever say he thought Dean was dead? Where was it implied in the story that Dean was dead? It wasn’t, he disappeared, vanished in a shockwave of exploding Dick. That’s a totally different thing and for Sam, the man who said “People don’t disappear Dean, other people just stop looking” and “You know me, you know why, I can’t leave my brother out there alone” to just give up, abandon the search without any concrete information about what was going on or where Dean might be is unfathomable to many fans of Sam as a character. And furthermore, when has the fact that one of them is dead ever stop them? There are multiple instances of one brother sacrificing everything to claim the other brother back from death. The fact that Sam had to burry Dean at the end of season 3 didn’t stop him from trying to get Dean back, so the fact that he was willing to walk away this time, when he doesn’t know for sure that Dean is even dead doesn’t track with his past behavior.
[quote]Sorry Penny Jaime, but I’ll have to disagree with part of your post. “If you thought someone was dead, why would yo look for them??” Where did Sam ever say he thought Dean was dead? Where was it implied in the story that Dean was dead? It wasn’t, he disappeared, vanished in a shockwave of exploding Dick. That’s a totally different thing and for Sam, the man who said “People don’t disappear Dean, other people just stop looking” and “You know me, you know why, I can’t leave my brother out there alone” to just give up, abandon the search without any concrete information about what was going on or where Dean might be is unfathomable to many fans of Sam as a character. And furthermore, when has the fact that one of them is dead ever stop them? There are multiple instances of one brother sacrificing everything to claim the other brother back from death. The fact that Sam had to burry Dean at the end of season 3 didn’t stop him from trying to get Dean back, so the fact that he was willing to walk away this time, when he doesn’t know for sure that Dean is even dead doesn’t track with his past behavior.[/quote]
Agreed.
Also not only for Sam’s fan. I am fan of the boys, I love both of them equally because they are a package. I can’t love only one and hate the other. So, this new characterization of Sam is out of the blue.
I don’t know what the writers are up to but I definitely don’t buy this reasoning.